How do I tell my parents I have dropped out?

Education can be hard but dropping out is NOT the easier option.

Make sure that you are dropping out of university because it is NOT FOR YOU.
Be prepared to work ten times harder than the average person to ensure you are as equipped and employable as a graduate.
COLLEGE (US) = UNIVERSITY (UK)

1. SPEAK TO A CAREERS ADVISOR
Speak to a careers advisor so you can get more of an understanding as to what you could be doing when you leave to ensure that you are making the right choice. Make sure you get as many solutions as possible so it’s easier when trying to tell your parents. It is advisable to make a plan about what you’ll be doing for at least the first three months.

2. REASONS FOR DECIDING TO DROP OUT
Write down all the reasons why you want to leave University/ College (make sure you outline all the possible reasons). It is also important to keep track of how you’re feeling especially if it is affecting your mental health (anxiety, depression or suicidal thinking).
Contact an adviser

3. TALK TO YOUR PARENTS FACE TO FACE
Call your parents and let them know you want to see them. It’s always best to talk face-to-face so they can see how you feel and it also allows you to answer their questions. (A lot of parents feel like they may have failed especially coming from an Afro-Caribbean household. This is because University is seen as a high degree of parental success. Therefore, allowing them to ask you all of their questions and concerns could help make this big step more accessible and more understandable for both parties).

4. SOLUTION PLAN
Once you tell your parents why you want to drop out, make sure you give them your solution plan. For example, what your plan is for the next three months- this is to ensure them that you’re not just sitting around. For example, your plan could include apprenticeships or secured internship placement. Every parent wants the best for their child but no parent wants their child sitting around doing nothing.
Help to get a job

5. BE READY TO STICK TO YOUR DECISION
Be ready to stick to your decision regardless of what everyone says. In Afro-Caribbean households especially, education is held to a very high standard. Your parents might find it quite hard and at first, might not understand your reasons for dropping out. Be prepared for some shouting and high emotions. It is not going to be easy but if you’ve made up your mind, try to understand their thoughts and make it very clear that this is what you want! This is why step 1-4 is extremely important to thoroughly assess the situation and not just because the university is too hard and you can’t be bothered to go through this journey. Let's get rid of this myth now! "Not having a degree can be hard when acquiring some high job roles." Since completing my apprenticeship, I have had over 10 job opportunities in my field and let's just say I'm not lacking ;)

6 . KEEP YOUR PARENTS UP TO DATE
Constantly keep them updated about what you’re doing and where you’re going. If you’ve got an internship or apprenticeship, think about how you will use this to get to your dream career by creating a target or career pathway that best suits YOU. (Keeping your parents involved will make them feel part of your journey and this also constantly reminds them that you are still working hard to make them proud).